The road segment in the park has long been a landmark because it is already isolated and unusable, bracketed by previous blob-like lava flows from the volcano's 19-year eruption.

Kilauea's latest display ­ the most dramatic in years ­ has been attracting more than 2,000 people each night and hundreds more at sunrise since lava began flowing into the ocean July 19. Park officials said there was no danger to buildings or other facilities from the slow-moving lava, although crowds of visitors were warned against hazards ranging from noxious fumes to unstable ground.

Last weekend, the new lava shortened Chain of Craters Road by about 60 feet and caused park officials to quickly move small, portable outbuildings ­ the only structures in the area.

"We thought we had five-to-six months, but the area filled with smoke. The asphalt was melting, and we had to move fast," said Rose Cortez, a park maintenance worker.

Molten lava was pouring into the Pacific at two points today, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The current breakout of lava began on May 12 and first reached the sea on July 19.

The flow is "zeroing in on the remnant of the Chain of Craters Road" that has been a park attraction for years, the USGS's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory eruption update report said. "It now appears in grave danger of being covered."

Lava was dripping 15-20 feet into the water from one entry point. The new flow has extended the park by several acres, creating a wide bench of lava and new black sand beaches.

The lava flow has rarely been more accessible to park visitors, although signs warn against getting too close to the slow-moving lava or the rose, orange and white steam plumes created at the ocean entry point.

Air quality around the lava caused discomfort for some viewers, said park spokeswoman Mardi Lane. Harsh acid rain added to the pollution around the flow.

"It just brings it all home ­ what a harsh, caustic environment that is," Lane said. "But, at the same time, it's absolutely magnetic and captivating."

She said the road remnant amid old lava flows is one of several area landmarks left from previous phases of the marathon eruption, including a small church and isolated trees.

"There's a fascination with anything that is spared," she said.

"At the same time, lava rules," Lane said. "It she wants it, she'll take it."

Kilauea has been erupting since Jan. 3, 1983.